Unit 2: Balance & Environment

Theme

How do energy systems keep bodies and the planet in balance?

CORE

Biology – Energy & Homeostasis

• Cell cycle and mitosis; optional intro to meiosis.

• Photosynthesis and cellular respiration (aerobic and anaerobic).

• Homeostasis and overview of major human body systems and their interactions.

English

• Read children’s/YA literature and essays about nature, environment, and health.

• Study mood, imagery, and personification of natural and body systems.

• Write clear informational pieces about how systems work and what happens when they are disrupted.

• Use transitions to show cause and effect in writing.

• Build academic vocabulary for biology, geography, and environment.

• Read informational texts with graphs and charts; summarize key ideas.

• Practice basic note‑taking and distinguishing fact from opinion.

• Practice short, informative talks supported by simple visuals.

Geography – Earth Systems & Environments

• Earth in space: latitude/longitude, seasons, time zones, basic map skills.

• Landforms: plate tectonics, mountains, plains, plateaus, volcanoes, earthquakes.

• Atmosphere and weather: weather vs climate, global wind belts, storms, climate zones.

• Hydrosphere: oceans, currents, rivers, watersheds, lakes, groundwater, water cycle.

• Biomes and ecosystems: major world biomes and climate–vegetation–wildlife links.

• Environmental issues: natural hazards, resource distribution, basic sustainability ideas.

OPTIONAL INTEGRATED ELECTIVE

Health & Nutrition

• Whole‑person wellness: physical, mental, social health.

• Mental health basics: stress, coping skills, depression, anxiety, help‑seeking.

• Healthy relationships and communication; consent and boundaries.

• Human growth and basic sexuality education at an age‑appropriate level.

• Substance use prevention: tobacco, vaping, alcohol, other drugs; decision‑making skills.

• Nutrition basics: macronutrients, micronutrients, food labels, body image, media influence.

• Physical activity and fitness for teens and long‑term health.

• Disease prevention and personal health habits.

• Safety, injury, and violence prevention, online and offline.

• Health literacy and simple advocacy for self, family, and community.